Starters for 10 – Ten Welsh players to keep your eye on in 2017.

1. Olly Cracknell – Ospreys – Flanker – The North Walian has made a massive impression this season with a series of commanding performances. Versatile forward who looks comfortable across a number of back row positions. Tapping at Rob Howley’s door ahead of 6 Nations.

2. Will Boyde – Scarlets – Flanker – Another young back rower who’s made an impact in West Wales. Stocky, abrasive and fiery, Boyde has caused opponents no end of trouble this season and is set for a big 2017.

3. Steff Evans – Scarlets – Wing – Strong, great hands, a brilliant eye for a gap and pace to burn. Scarlets fans have long known how exciting a player Evans is, surely a Wales call up isn’t far away?

4. Keelan Giles – Ospreys – Wing – Still only 18 years old, the U20 Grand Slam winner has lit up Pro 12 and Europe this year with his dazzling pace. Sat on the bench in Wales’ Autumn Series game against Japan, a starting berth doesn’t look out of the question now.

5. Ashton Hewitt – Dragons – Wing – Yet another blistering back to have impressed this season. Reportedly the fastest player in Wales, Hewitt’s electric runs have given the Dragons’ faithful some much needed cheered during a tough league campaign.

6. Rob Evans – Scarlets – Prop – Lost his Wales’ place to an evergreen Gethin Jenkins last year but has hit back with some mighty impressive physical performances. He’s always been great ‘around the park’ but it’s his scrummaging that’s caught attentions.

7. Justin Tipuric – Ospreys – Flanker –A household name with most rugby fans but has struggled to make the Wales’ shirt his own due to presence of Sam Warburton. With Wales trying to play a more expansive style, a genius footballer like Tipuric has to get his chance to shine for the team.

8. Sam Davies – Ospreys – Fly Half – Faces stiff competition from Dan Biggar for both club and country. Ospreys have managed to keep both 10’s happy by operating a ‘horses for courses’ selection policy. National side have to use his ability to change a game in a bigger capacity this year.

9. Owen Williams – Leicester – Fly Half – Overlooked by Wales due to ‘Gatland’s Law’ but has become a firm favourite with Welford Road fans over past few years. His monster kick against Munster caught the eye yet again and with his contract up this year, there is no shortage of would-be suitors in the homeland.

10. Ryan Elias – Scarlets – The West Wales outfit already have one dynamic ball-carrying hooker in the form of Ken Owens but young Elias is snapping at his heels. A bag of energy that gets through loads of work. He has been in great form all season and looks set for a very bright future.